Color Icon Lip Liner is a standard, needs-sharpening pencil that’s neither too creamy nor too dry, although the finish is slightly tacky. A few of the colors are excellent, versatile shades that you really should check out if you don’t mind routine sharpening. At less than a dollar, it’s an indisputable value, though sharpening is always a hassle! This pencil would’ve earned a Good rating if it didn’t require sharpening.

Weaknesses: Unimpressive concealers; large assortment of average to poor eyelining products; the mascaras do little to impress; some lip products suffer from the inclusion of irritants; the makeup brushes.

Wet 'n' Wild is one of the few cosmetics companies around that prides itself on being extraordinarily cheap, although the prices have increased across the board since we last revisited this brand. But don't let its hokey name and pre-teen marketing tactics deter you, because there are some great options available, and the packaging has improved in almost every category. The best-performing products will seem like steals, while the less impressive to horrible products will quickly have you thinking, "you get what you pay for." It is not very often that a line offers such a procession of clear-cut winners and dismal losers, but once you know what to focus on, you won't get soaked by Wet 'n' Wild. This line is available in most major drugstores across the country, and, like most drugstore lines, does not offer testers. Interestingly, the selection of Wet 'n' Wild in Canadian drugstores tends to be better than what U.S. shoppers will find.

The Beautypedia Research Team is dedicated to helping you find the absolute best products for your skin, using research-based criteria to review beauty products from an honest, balanced perspective. Each member of the team was personally trained by Paula Begoun herself.